USDA Accepting Applications for 2015 Export Assistance Programs

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WASHINGTON, March 2, 2015—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service is still accepting proposals for three of its export market development programs. Applications for the Emerging Markets Program, the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program and the Quality Samples Program will be accepted until Fiscal Year 2015 funds are exhausted.

Emerging Markets Program supports technical assistance for the promotion of U.S. farm products in emerging markets. The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program helps open, retain and expand markets for U.S. specialty crops. Under the program, USDA resources are provided to address sanitary, phytosanitary or technical restrictions, such as testing, certification, labeling, packaging and certification requirements, that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. The Quality Samples Program helps U.S. agricultural trade organizations provide product samples to potential importers by funding purchases of product and shipping. The Quality Samples Program allows overseas customers to discover U.S. quality and gives manufacturers overseas a chance to do test runs to assess how U.S. products can best meet their production needs, thereby stimulating interest and demand for U.S. agricultural products.

All proposals received by April 3, 2015, will be reviewed concurrently by the Foreign Agricultural Service. Proposals received after that date will be reviewed if funding is still available.

Applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) number for federal assistance, which can be obtained at fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling (866) 705-5711. Additional information about the export market development programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.